Choices.

Why do I do what I do? This question is probably one of the greatest questions that I can personally ask myself. The idea of questions has been something that I have been pondering and working over in my mind for the past little while.

Asking ourselves questions causes us to answer those questions and to make decisions based on our questions. Whether they are thoughts, ideas, actions, relationships, or any other decisions we make, these decisions greatly affect the future of our lives, and the outcomes that we will live out. To add to that I desire to make my decisions based upon actions as opposed to reactions. To make actions determines that we are in control of our own outcomes whereas to make reactions determines that we are making decisions to the environment around us. In other words, I would rather affect and determine the environment around me rather than have the environment I find myself in affect and determine my reactions. A friend of my father has often said a phrase that I feel helps myself live in this way of making actions rather than reactions; "live deliberately" is the phrase I have heard numerous times. To live deliberately means that we don't necessarily just go along with life and whatever happens just happens. To live deliberately as simple as it sounds, which is to make deliberate actions and not just "go with the flow". Now, there may be times where going with the flow may be alright if the "flow" is headed in a direction we want to be, but if the "flow" is heading a direction that we do not desire to be then we must deliberately make actions that will determine our destination. So, why do I do what I do? And why do any of us do what any of us do? Do we do what we do because that's what is easiest; the path of least resistance. Or do we deliberately choose to make actions and be in control of our environment and destination. 

I could ramble on and on of the various levels of importance of types of decisions, ie, choosing clothes to wear or food to eat, or relationships, or a spouse, or whether or not we seek relationship with God. The point is, each of these decisions, often times seemingly unimportant, will and DO drastically affect the big picture of our life and of our destination. To end this I want to leave you (if there is a "you" even reading this) with a few questions. Where do you want to go, and why? What are you going to do to get there? And I encourage you (and me) to do what it takes to go there, to be that person, to build that friendship, to become that man I desire to be, to make those deliberate decisions to become who and what we desire to be and to determine our environment and our destination. 

The Sacrifice of Believing in Something Greater

A visit from a dear family to me has triggered many thoughts and feelings, thank you for being who you are and for your friendship and influence you have had in my life.

A great heaviness sets into my mood as I lay my head onto my pillow. Memories of joy and laughter, provoking discussions, time well spent over coffee, flood my mind. Now, they and the memories often feel (though they are truly not) far away, distant, vague, and simply what just a memory. 

Many times the emotion we attempt to mask is that of sadness and tears, we feel as though crying is a sign of weakness; which I am, and which i’m also becoming more comfortable with. We really have no issue showing intense happiness or excitement, AND we most certainly don’t mind expressing our anger and frustration at those who sin against us.

So, as I lay I found hot tears welling up and soon forming their own stream or river as if they were themselves the actual sadness or emotion I felt that needed to escape my memory. The decisions I’ve made in  the past few years have caused me (or at least I feel) to grow and to become more mature than I may be had I stayed in my comfort zone and under the wing of safety from my family and these close friends that give life to these memories and feeling of sadness and loss or separation. I am not totally sure how I feel of all of this and I’m not sure I will ever be able to understand. I feel as an individual I must do all I can to grow and develop into the man and Christian that I am destined to be. On the other hand I often feel as though I am not only doing a dis-service to myself, but also to these wonderful people in my life which I so deeply love and care for. 

I am grieved to know one of my closest friends who has influenced my life and character and allowed my to even be able to make this step in my life may also soon suffer these feelings on sadness and separation from those they most loves. I pray often and hope for the sake of my friend that they may find (as I have) purpose and direction and meaning in their decision to further the truth we so dearly cling to. And it is that truth that allowed me to make those decisions that I believe will allow us to feel ultimate and eternal joy never-ending. So, if you read this, and you will know who you are if you are reading this, remember that your passion for what you believe is greater than safety in familiarity. Much respect.

As for me and my house we will serve the Lord

I must confess to myself and to whoever may read this; This has been written for at least 6 weeks and i have neglected editing and posting. For shame, Nicholas, for shame.

I have grown up hearing this phrase from my father many times. I have always believed it and appreciated the stand my father took as the head of the household. Lately, however, I have found myself often pondering this phrase and what it really means for my wife and I, and for our household.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

Now, as a husband, and leader of my own family and household I feel the responsibility I think most Christian men must feel. First of all I am very grateful to my wife who has this same passion as I do, and who feels the same about our home as each major decision we make must be weighed and balanced in prayer and wisdom. I am not afraid of this responsibility, however, I do feel the pressure from it and I pray that God will grant me wisdom and grace to lead my wife (and one day family) in the paths of righteousness. I have been fortunate enough to have a few close friends who have made their homes a place where I am welcome and where I have found so much direction in my personal life. I have been able to develop myself and to find my ministry through the help of these great friends and mentors who have opened their homes (and lives and families) to be sanctuaries. Often times I have found myself in prayer for my household and for my home that it would be a sanctuary of peace, rest, healing, love, and hope. I desire to have a place where others can come into and find strength and direction in their life as they seek after God and His plan for their lives. I pray that others may enter our home with sin in their life and feel a peace and joy that they would desire to serve God because of what they may feel. I pray that fellow young people will feel welcomed into our home and find direction in their life, and I desire to see them seek after their own personal relationship with God.

All in all, I desire for my wife and I’s physical home (and our corporate Church body) to Serve The Lord with utmost passion, and to the greatest of our knowledge and ability.

I know nothing.

My mind is full of thoughts; yet it remains empty to decide which I want to further ponder.

Trusting in God - from where I stand

Isn't it funny how it seems so hard to trust God that he is in control and that he has our life all worked out when we least know our own future? How easy it is to say, "I trust you, Jesus" when we are certain that there will be money in the bank, food on the table, and work to occupy our time. Recently, I have been praying that I would learn to trust God and that I would genuinely experience the need to trust in Him. I find myself now leaning more on Jesus than I've ever needed to in all my life. Am I out on the streets begging for bread? By no means! I have food, a home, a vehicle, clothes to wear, a bed to lay my head on, and yet still I feel the overwhelming need to trust Him. Logically, my decisions may be frowned upon by some as irresponsible or as being based off of emotions. I find no reason to defend myself against such claims. Logically speaking, my decisions have not been decided to put myself further ahead monetarily. I have not decided to stay nestled in my comfortable way of life where all is familiar, and there is no fear of newness and uncertainty. I have chosen a path where there are no certainties for tomorrow. I do todays work for tomorrow will hold its own worries. I could have stayed in a comfortable place where I would not have needed to fly on my own; the nest was comfortable, however, I would never have begun to learn to spread my wings and soar as the eagles. Oh sure, we all fall sometimes, but at least we are not leeching off the rest of everyone and remain lame in the nest. We are taught by scripture to seek first the kingdom of Heaven, and that our needs would be met. Does this mean that you or I will have all the new toys, gadgets, cars, or the biggest house on the block? I think not. More accurately, we will be provided our basic needs; food, clothing, and shelter. What more could we need? The fleeting happiness of "stuff" will never compare to the joy, peace, and rest I have in my heart. It will never compare to the quality family relationships I've built, or the health in my body. The temporary luxury of "stuff" will not and can not measure up to the assurance of God's loving mercy on my life. I have chosen to lay my treasures in Heaven where moth or dust will not corrupt. Trusting in Jesus is one of the most exhilarating adventures we can take as Christians. I DARE you to ask Him to teach you to genuinely trust Him. You will never regret it!

Complex simplicity.

The topic of salvation can quickly become a very drawn out debate to what exactly it means to obtain salvation. I believe that is a rabbit trail that can often cause more damage than good. So often we attempt to over explain and make complex the simple instructions that we have for salvation. Now, I may take flak for this for not fully explaining the plan of salvation or doing it justice, but I feel I am doing the opposite. I feel that by simplifying the plan of salvation to its most pure, organic, natural, and simplest definition, then we are not "dumbing it down" or "leaving anything out", but rather we are telling it as it is without creating a confusing, complicated complexity that causes so many divisions between believers. Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom. Why? Peter recognized that Jesus was indeed the Christ, the very Son of God. Jesus said to Peter in return that whatever he would loose on earth shall be loosed, and whatever Peter bound on earth shall be bound in Heaven. Fast forward to the day of Pentecost. Peter, standing with the 11 other apostles, and also with the keys to the kingdom gives us the instructions for salvation in the simplest most condensed way. Repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins. And that, ladies and gentleman is all we have to do. "Wait!" you proclaim, "it doesn't end there, there is more we must do". Incorrect, if we have done those two things we have fulfilled our instructions. From that point forward we WILL receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, however, that is not something you or I can give ourselves or give others, that is Gods work and if we just simply follow repentance and baptism, God will fill us with His Spirit. The key is being sincere with our repentance, so often we apologize and say sorry but continue on in our ways. Repentance, however, is a change of heart and a change of attitude and a change of lifestyle. In conclusion, I feel I may need to begin simplifying my definition of the plan of salvation. Here it is: Acts 2:28 Simple.

What does it mean to actually practice Christianity?

This question has been stirring me for years now. Matthew 23 is probably a great place to really examine this question. First, before you continue reading this post I challenge you to go and read Matthew 23. I feel like I have personally justified my own actions and way of living by following our "standards" we set as our guidelines. I am growing continually uneasy, however, that I may be becoming a Pharisee myself. It seems that I condemn others to hell if they do not replicate my understanding of being a Christian. I have been guilty of judging others because they do not follow the "standards" of their local assembly. Woe to me! I pray that my understanding and wisdom grows, but I pray my grace and love and patience grow also. 1 Corinthians 13 convicts me to assess my life and my actions and my motives. Have I been been guilty of not loving? And you may say, "Love, love, love, all I ever hear is just love", and you may judge those who preach love. We accuse others of being "wishy-washy" by preaching love above all else. Now, there be some truth in our accusations, BUT, what is THE greatest commandment? Jesus said LOVE the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Furthermore, Jesus continued on to say that we must LOVE our neighbour (friends, co-worker, family, acquaintances, enemy) as we love ourself?!?! Surely he must not have meant that? Surely Jesus meant to live our lives by a set of rules and condemn others who don't abide by them! NO! Jesus did not say that. Jesus said if we keep these two commandments that all the other laws are fulfilled. We are fulfilling all the laws by only loving others (Romans 13:8-10). So, I again pose the question to myself and to you, "what does it mean to actually practice Christianity?". The answer is simple but the action, especially the second part can be hard, love God, and love people. I challenge you and I to practice being a Christian today. I challenge us to stop judging others and to try loving them instead. I wonder what might happen if we could change our ways...

The struggle is real.

The path of least resistance seems to be our nature. As I grow and recognize human behaviour more than I once did I am constantly seeing people and companies promoting and selling us easier ways. It is true from cell phones to door locks. Lately, there seems to be a trend for remote locks that will unlock your house for you as you come near with your smartphone, and then re-lock as we move a certain distance from the house. Or how about vehicles that parallel park for us? You could think of dozens of more examples. This is all very fine and dandy, however, I am curious as to what it has done to humans work ethic or sense of earning something. Maybe this seems all very silly to you, but lately I have thought of many of the people that I would consider successful, and I find myself, by their example, being challenged to step out of societies mould of getting things faster and easier than ever before. I have recently finished "David and Goliath" by Malcolm Gladwell with many wonderful examples of successful underdogs and misfits who had to fight through adversity and opposition to end up successful. This may seem strange to you, but I've lately made it my prayer that I may also experience tough times just as my mentors have. I desire, oddly enough, to find myself in positions that are less than luxurious. I may be crazy, but I honestly believe that through these adversities and challenges that I daily find myself in are causing me to develop a quality work ethic, character, discipline, honesty, loyalty, and most importantly, a trust in God that He will provide my needs if I place Him above all else. Psalm 27:3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. Allow me to define success as I see it. Success: having a sincere and honest relationship with Jesus Christ, having quality relationships with family and friends, health in my body, and finally, the monetary abilities to pay my bills and have a little extra left over to share with others. You see, through this lens of success I have found more peace and joy than I could have ever experienced through what others would define as beings successful, that being, quite bluntly, more money than I knew what I would do with. Through this lens I welcome the "curve balls" of life, I welcome opposition, I welcome challenging situations in life that cause my determination and discipline to overcome. I am by no means suggesting we become brutes and forcefully approach all matters in life. I am not arguing against taking advantage of opportunities that arise. By all means I urge you to use every opportunity and possibility to your favour in order that you may progress and be better off today than yesterday, and yet further ahead tomorrow than today. My point merely is that maybe it wouldn't kill us to not look for the simplest and easiest way of life, but to face our fears, face what may be difficult and conquer it and end up all the more successful through humble beginnings. Any thoughts?

Miracles still happen!

I have decided to begin (or attempt to begin) blogging once again. If no one but myself reads this blog that is completely fine by me. I have matured (I hope) since my last blog which mostly contained pictures of random fails and useless drivel that made me think I was intelligent and clever, which I was definitely not. So, the feelings and thoughts expressed on this site are completely those of Nicholas Norris and are not meant to offend, ridicule, or cause anxiety to anyone in particular or in general. These thoughts and posts, however, are meant to cause at least myself and hopefully others to think and to consider whatever topic I may discuss. I often attempt to challenge my thinking in order that I may become a more balanced and mature Christian. What can you expect to see or read on this blog? Likely you will find my posts to be various rambles or rants about any number of topics, you may find me discussing a book I have read or am reading and my thoughts and feelings about that book, you will find topics that I often ponder and meditate about being a young Christian and how I would enjoy to share and challenge others to confront issues of our way of thinking and our actions. You may find my feelings and thoughts on world events that I find intriguing, saddening, interesting, entertaining, or merely what I may consider worthy of discussing. I won't bore you with details for now though. If you read this blog and enjoy it, let me know. If you think I should discuss a certain topic, again, feel free to comment and let me know what you feel is worth sharing. I approve this message, Nicholas Norris